EyeBrain Launches Its Latest Medical Device: the EyeBrain T2

Ivry-sur-Seine, Paris, France, October 9, 2013 – EyeBrain, which develops markers of cerebral function for neurological and psychiatric conditions, today announces the launch of a new medical device, the EyeBrain T2. This new device will be used during examinations of ocular motricity, the motor system controlling eye movements. The main characteristic of this new oculometer is that it also records head movements.

The EyeBrain T2 is therefore more effective and more sensitive than its predecessor, the Mobile EBT (Mobile EyeBrain Tracker). By recording both eye movements and head movements, it is now possible to determine the patient’s gaze during his examination.

This technological innovation not only allows for more precise measurements, but it will also enable additional examinations for neurologists. These examinations are essential because they provide new markers of cerebral function, allowing neurologists to refine their diagnoses and to track the development of neurological and psychiatric conditions in their patients. The EyeBrain T2 device is also easier for practitioners to work with, thanks to its improved ergonomic design: the EyeBrain T2 is lighter and more comfortable than its predecessor. Moreover, its software is reviewed regularly in order to be practitioner-friendly.

“With the EyeBrain T2, medical professionals now have access to one of the most powerful medical devices for use in oculomotor examinations,” said Serge Kinkingnehun, CEO of EyeBrain. “The fact that head movements can now be taken into account during these examinations is a true innovation.”

The use of oculomotricity as a marker of cerebral function presents a range of advantages for specialists. As a method which combines simplicity, speed, precision, and is non-invasive, it has the ability to save medical practitioners a significant amount of time in the early diagnosis of certain neurological illnesses. These can include Parkinsonian syndromes, tracking the development of multiple sclerosis, or in characterizing reading disorders. It also enables practitioners to assess the impact of the therapies offered to patients.

EyeBrain expects sales figures to double for the new device compared to its predecessor, with around 15 EyeBrain T2 units expected to be sold over the next six months. Around thirty units of the previous device have been sold over the last two years.

“We have already received several orders for the EyeBrain T2, and we are very optimistic about sales figures for this device,” said Serge Kinkingnehun. “We have noticed that it is not only sparking interest amongst academics, but also in the French government, by encouraging the development of companies focusing on an aging population, which will enhance the silver economy.”

With this new device, EyeBrain primarily intends to strengthen its presence in Europe and North Africa. In the longer term, the company plans to distribute its EyeBrain Trackers to the Asian market.

EyeBrain will present a series of new oculomotor tests at the end of 2013. These new tests will make it possible to identify new brain markers which will aid in the diagnosis of new pathologies in the neurological and psychiatric fields. The company is also working on new devices for use in doctors’ offices.

About EyeBrain

EyeBrain is developing brain function markers for neurological and psychiatric diseases utilizing devices based on eye motricity. They make it possible to test specific regions of the brain by recording and analyzing eye movements using very sophisticated algorithms developed by the company. The devices developed by EyeBrain have filled a void in the devices used in neurology; they complete a standard clinical examination within 20 minutes at a lower cost than imaging techniques (MRI, scanners). They are also non-invasive relative to other types of examination in standard use (lumbar punctures, blood tests).

The EyeBrain Tracker (EBT) devices come as a complete package that includes an eye-tracker, a chin rest, two screens and a computer, together with stimulation and analysis software. Already used routinely in hospitals, they provide the doctor with information for the early characterization of Parkinsonian syndromes (AMS, PSP, CBD, etc.), for reading difficulties and to monitor multiple sclerosis. The EBTs are the only devices of this type to have obtained CE marking, while EyeBrain also has ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 certification. Eye motricity testing (eye tracking) is paid for by the French social security system.

EyeBrain, which was founded in 2008, is based in the Paris suburb of Ivry-sur-Seine and currently employs 15 people. The company raised EUR 1.2 million from CapDecisif Management and G1JIDF in an initial funding round in 2009, and EUR 3.3 million from Octalfa, Sudinnova and CM-CIC Capital Innovation in a second round in 2012. EyeBrain generates revenues from the sale of its tracker devices. It is engaged in collaborations with the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), the French National Scientific Research Center (CNRS), the Paris Public Hospital Authority (AP-HP) and the University of Paris-Descartes. EyeBrain also has premises within the Brain and Spinal Cord Institute of the Pitie-Salpetriere hospital in Paris, which is a world-class research center.